On This Day
SATB Choir, 4 handbells, organ, and percussion (ad lib.) Medieval Carol Personent Hodie, from the Piae Cantiones, 1582.
This setting brings out the medieval-ness of the carol. Would be great as a processional, too.
On this day, earth shall ring with the song children sing
to the Son, Christ the King.
Born on earth to save us; Him the Father gave us.
Chorus
Ideo, ideo, ideo gloria in excelsis Deo!
His the doom, ours the mirth, when He came down to earth;
Bethlehem saw His birth;
Ox and ass beside Him, from the cold would hide Him.
Shepherds hear and obey what the angels do say;
Christ the Lord, born today;
They will see His glory, telling all the story.
God’s bright star, o’er His head, wise men three to Him led;
Kneel they low by His bed,
Lay their gifts before Him, praise Him and adore Him.
On this day angels sing, with their song echoing,
Praising Christ, heaven’s King,
Born on earth to save us; peace and love He gave us.